LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Freddy Farm Bureau is a familiar ambassador at the Kentucky State Fair, and he is marking his 60th year.

Generations of fairgoers have grown up with the giant farmer perched on his hay bale right in front of Freedom Hall. He's always eager to greet new and old friends with his signature "Howdy!" But truth be told, many folks admit to being a little scared of Freddy, who has been standing guard at the fair for six decades.

After all, he is 13 feet tall sitting down and would be 18 feet tall, if he were to stand.

Freddy made his first appearance at the fair in 1958. Looking at pictures, you can see his skin has improved and his clothes are a little nicer, but Freddy's smile is always there.

To mark the 60th anniversary, Freddy is getting new duds. There's nothing like a new pair of jeans and a denim shirt. But some things never change. Freddy will be sitting tall from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from August 17-27 spreading his family-friendly Southern charm and knowledge of Kentucky agriculture.

The Kentucky Farm Bureau says Freddy is a favorite meeting place for people at the fair. And you have to admit if you're from Louisville, you probably have taken a photo or two with the farm boy mascot sitting just behind a white picket fence.

And Freddy Farm Bureau is keeping up with the times on social media. You can find him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.